Laima Showing the Way

1989-1990, tempera, aquarelle on paper, 27,5x19,5 cm /// Karlis Dobrajs (1943) is one of the classics of Latvian painting. The series of drawings have been commissioned for the book “Windy Accipiter” (“Vēja vanadziņš”, 1993). It compiles a selection of artistic designs of Latvian legends and tales with a visually represented narrative of the story itself. The coloured, hand-drawn illustrations are original artwork in one copy. Laima, the goddess of happiness, is common in traditional Latvian oral art. It gives advice, helps and, as in this illustration, shows the way. Laima is depicted as a bright old lady with a bent back who helps the young man.